Sealdah Railway Station (SDAH), Kolkata – Routes, Services, and Food Options

About Sealdah Railway Station

Sealdah Railway Station(SDAH), located in the heart of West Bengal’s Howrah district, is a significant railway hub.it facilitates smooth travel for passengers across the region. As one of India’s top railway stations, Sealdah offers efficient services and connectivity.

If you’re stepping into Kolkata by train, there’s a very high chance you’ll come through the massive, iconic Sealdah Railway Station. And if you haven’t experienced it before — get ready. It’s crowded, fast-paced, a little overwhelming at first… and yet, incredibly functional once you find your rhythm.

• Station Code: SDAH
  
• Location: Central Kolkata
  
• Railway Zone: Eastern Railway
  
• Divisions: Sealdah North, South, and Main terminals
  
• Traffic Type: Suburban, express, long-distance, Rajdhani, intercity, and EMU trains
  
• Daily Footfall: Over 1 million passengers (on average)
  
• Notable Routes: There exist trains operating from Sealdah to Ajmer, Jammu Tawi, Guwahati, Siliguri, Bangaon, Ranaghat, Barasat, and more.

Sealdah isn’t just a train station. It is a transit point for over a million passengers each day and serves as a cultural facet of the city. For many travelers, it is usually the very first impression of Kolkata. Whether it is the Ajmer Sealdah Express that you are going to board or you are just looking at the Akra to Sealdah train time, or might be planning a stopover here, this guide will help you navigate the station with ease and confidence.

Since there are three terminals serving different parts of the city, make sure you check the terminal at which your train arrives. This is particularly important if you do not want to be rushed or are carrying baggage.

Passenger Amenities at Sealdah Station(SDAH)

With such heavy daily use, you’d expect Sealdah to feel chaotic. But in reality, it offers some of the most practical and helpful amenities for passengers — as long as you know where to look.

General Waiting Rooms & Seating Zones

Scattered across platforms and inside terminals, Sealdah’s waiting areas are simple and accessible. You’ll find:

• Dedicated waiting zones for ladies
  
• Fans, seating benches, filtered water
  
• Attached restrooms and attendants in some rooms
  

Tip: These rooms can get full during peak hours (early morning and evenings), so arrive early if you want a spot.

Premium AC Lounges/ Retiring Rooms

Need a quiet corner with air-conditioning and a place to charge your phone? Sealdah has paid AC lounges offering:

• Recliner-style chairs
  
• Air-conditioning
  
• Free Wi-Fi (at select lounges)
  
• Charging ports
  
• Clean toilets and wash areas
  
• Reading lights and paid refreshment service
  

Access is typically granted for a few hours and requires a confirmed train ticket.

Also Know- IRCTC Retiring Room/Dormitory Booking Process & Facility

Food Options at the Station

There’s no shortage of food inside Sealdah — whether you want a quick snack or a proper meal. Popular Picks on the Platform:

• Samosas, cutlets, kachoris
  
• Chai stalls
  
• Luchi-alur dom (a Bengali breakfast classic)
  
• South Indian counters (idli, dosa, upma)
  
• Packaged snacks and cold drinks
  

But if you’re tired of generic station food or want more hygienic options, here’s the best solution…

Get Food Delivery at Sealdah Railway Stations via Zoop – a trusted IRCTC-authorized food aggregator.

• Order via PNR Number: Just enter your PNR to get food delivered directly to your seat.
  
• Choose Your Meal & Station: Select from restaurants at Sealdah or other upcoming stops.
  
• Multiple Ways to Order:
  
  • Zoop website (zoopindia.com)
    
  • WhatsApp food order
    
  • Zoop mobile app- iOS, Android
    
  • Call at +91 8010802222

• Live Tracking: Watch your order progress in real-time — from kitchen to platform to your coach.
  
• Variety of Food: Bengali, North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, snacks, combos, beverages, kids meals, and more.
  

This is a game-changer for train travelers, especially those on longer routes or traveling with family.

Prepaid Taxi Booths

As soon as you exit the South Terminal, you’ll find a prepaid taxi counter. Ideal if you’re heading to Salt Lake, Esplanade, Howrah, Airport, Park Street, or New Town. Pay a fixed fare — no bargaining required.

Ola & Uber Pickup Zones

Prefer app-based cabs? Sealdah has designated Ola/Uber pickup points. These are clearly marked outside the terminal exits and reduce confusion during busy hours.

Passenger-Friendly Facilities at Sealdah Railway

• LED Digital Display Boards: Visible at every terminal with train status, coach positions, and delays.
  
• Automated Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs): Available for quick suburban ticketing.
  
• Cloakroom: Store your bags (for a fee) near the Main Terminal. Valid ticket and ID required.
  
• Retiring Rooms: AC and non-AC rooms available for short-term stays. Book via IRCTC or at station counters.
  
• Escalators & Elevators: Lifts are installed across major footbridges and platforms.
  
• Wi-Fi: Free RailWire Wi-Fi service is available — just register with your phone number.
  

Top 5 Nearest Railway Stations to Sealdah

If your train doesn’t stop at Sealdah directly, no worries. These nearby stations are well-connected and make transferring easy.

Local Tip: You can also take the Circular Railway from many of these stations to Sealdah — it’s cheap, fast, and scenic!

Popular Places to Visit Near Sealdah Station

Have time before your train or just arrived early? There’s plenty to see and do around Sealdah that reflects Kolkata’s culture, food, and charm.

College Street & Indian Coffee House

• Distance: ~2.5 km
  
• A haven for book lovers. Pick up rare titles, secondhand gems, or new releases. Wrap up your visit with strong coffee and old-school charm at the legendary Coffee House.
  

Mother Teresa’s Mother House

• Distance: ~2.8 km
  
• A spiritual and historical space where you can visit Mother Teresa’s tomb, her preserved living quarters, and quiet prayer halls.
  

New Market & Esplanade

• Distance: ~3.5 km
  
• Shop for clothes, bags, spices, sweets, and souvenirs. Grab street food like puchkas, rolls, and kathi kebabs.
  

Indian Museum

• Distance: ~4 km
  
• From dinosaur fossils and Mughal weapons to ancient coins and mummies — this is India’s oldest museum and worth a slow visit.
  

Eden Gardens & Babughat

• Distance: ~5.5 km
  
• Walk along with the waterfront, take a boat ride, or maybe just look at Eden Garden from outside. And buses for Digha or Mandarmani can be caught from Babughat.

St. Paul’s Cathedral & Victoria Memorial

• Distance: ~6.5 km
  
• Two architectural marvels of Kolkata. One is a beautiful church with gothic design; the other is a museum and monument with stunning lawns.
  

Science City

• Distance: ~7 km
  
• Great for kids and science lovers. Includes a space theatre, illusion zones, and interactive exhibits.
  

Quest Mall & Park Street

• Distance: 6–7 km
  
• In case you want to shop a bit or grab some quick bites from a chain-based restaurant, Quest Mall fits right into the bill. On the other hand, Park Street is loaded with some heritage restaurants, bookstores, and jazz cafes.

All in all, this is a guide that offers everything you want to make your stay comfortable and travel easy at Sealdah railway station. Have a good trip!

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